Lan Ha Bay: Completed Guide for Halong Bay’s alternatives
If you worry that Halong Bay is too touristy and looking for a quieter alternatives, then Lan Ha Bay should be the choice for you. A hidden gem not often talked about in travel magazines, this bay lied within the breathtaking landscapes of Cat Ba Archipelago. With its emerald-green waters, limestone karsts, and unspoiled beaches, Lan Ha is a lesser-known version of Ha Long Bay … but with its unique charms, as well!
Owing to its less famous status, Lan Ha Bay typically doesn’t have a lot of tourists. As such, you’ll be treated to a more peaceful, less crowded experience than Halong Bay.
This all-inclusive guide shows you everything you need to know about Lan Ha Bay and more!
What is Lan Ha Bay ?
Lan Ha Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, east of Cat Ba Island and sharing the border with the south of Halong Bay. Administratively, Lan Ha Bay is belong to Hai Phong City, a coastal city located about 119.8km from Hanoi Capital, Vietnam. The entire bay has an area of 7000 m2 wide. Lan Ha Bay comprises around 300 karst islands, with the bay’s pristine waters coloring a lush emerald in between. The scenery is magnificent enough that it’s been featured many times in travel magazines worldwide.
What to expect?
Unlike its more popular counterpart, Halong Bay, this hidden bay remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. So, travelers who have done their research and knowledge of the place will have a much more immersive experience when visiting the site.
Other than the karst islands, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the small, secluded beaches in the area. While they’re not large, they’re private enough that you’ll have a much better time sunbathing or immersing yourself in the crystal-clear water. An interesting things about Lan Ha Bay beaches is that some of them is underwater and only reveal themselves few hours per day, make them more unspoiled and private.
Lan Ha Bay is also home to a number of floating villages that hold great significance in Halong culture.
One of the top attractions in Viet Hai Fishing Village, where locals graciously welcome visitors to experience their traditional way of life. On these floating habitats are restaurants and even a Town Hall. The site’s a must-visit if you want to share the unique way of life in the local community.
And for those fortunate enough, you can have the opportunity to see the bioluminescent plankton in Lan Ha Bay’s waters during the night. These plankton light up the water, making them seem like twinkling stars floating in the bay’s water!
The Beauty of Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is a picturesque attraction with numerous rocky islands, such as Hon Guoc, Hon Hai Co, Hon But, Hon Doi, Con Rua, Hon Tai Keo, Hon Bu Nau, and But Day. These islands are surrounded by over 130 golden sandy beaches, providing a delightful environment with cool, blue waters. Each mountain and island in the bay has a unique story of origin.
The bay features dense mountain formations that divide the sea surface into fields, small bays, and hidden caves waiting to be explored. An exceptional highlight of the area is the chance to encounter the Cat Ba Langur, an endemic primate species found only on Cat Ba Island.
Lan Ha Bay offers adventurous activities for visitors, including thrilling rock climbing expeditions. You can experience the adrenaline rush of jumping into the sea below from the top of towering limestone mountains. Canoeing and surfing in the bay provide further opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.
The recognition of Lan Ha Bay’s beauty is not limited to local appreciation. The Association of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World nominated Lan Ha Bay as one of the top contenders for its list in 2020.
Top Lan Ha Bay Attractions
Lan Ha Bay offer a wide ranges of attractions, from unspoiled beach, rich-eco islands or underwaters cave.
Cat Ba Island is the biggest and most famous of all the islands in Lan Ha Bay. The island is 260 km2 in size and has a diversified ecology, including 1 national park, karst topography, and lush forests. There are also many activities on the island, such as climbing, kayaking, and hiking.
Tra Bau is another well-known destination in the area. Thanks to its unique location, it becomes the anchor point for most of overnight cruises in Lan Ha Bay. Surrounded by massive islets, Tra Bau is stay tranquil and beautiful all year.
Dark & Light Cave in Lan Ha Bay is a combination of 2 different caves with unique feature. While the Dark Cave has a mysterious beauty and is only visible for one month out of the year, the Light Cave is open all year and has spectacular beauty full of natural light.
Viet Hai Village is situated on Cat Ba Island in Lan Ha Bay. The community is home to 70 households who rely mainly on fishing for a living. Viet Hai is well-known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to cycle around the village and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the area.
Things to Do in Lan Ha Bay
Cruising Lan Ha Bay
Cruising is a must when visiting Lan Ha Bay. A cruise will help you to get close to the bay’s stunning limestone islands, emerald waters, and hidden beaches across its 7,000 hectares. About 80% of Lan Ha’s 300+ islands and islets are reachable by boat, making they as an ideal way for seeing the bay 139 beaches and lagoons.
Day trips or multi-day cruises (1-2 nights) take you to visit famous attractions like Ba Trai Dao Islet and Cai Beo Floating Village. Most cruises include activities like cooking classes, tai chi at sunrise, or squid fishing at night.
Mid-range to luxury options, like Doria Cruise or Capella Cruise, offer better food and comfort, with prices ranging from USD 100- USD 300 per person for 1 night, and normally doubled for 2 nights. Budget cruises (USD 100- USD120) like Calypso or Le Journey Luxury are available but offer more basic facilities.
Kayaking
Kayaking is said to be the second most popular activity in Lan Ha Bay, second only to going on a cruise. And if you look at the aerial photo of the bay, you will know why: the open water and the karst formations are ripe for exploration.
Most of the caves in Lan Ha Bay is half underwater. That’s where small, nimble kayaks come in. You can access caves that larger tours and cruises may not reach by kayaking around the bay.
All the cruises will offer kayaking included in their package. But if you’re not on a cruise, make sure to rent one in Beo Pier in Cat Ba Island.
Popular areas for kayakers include Tra Bau area, Ba Ham Lake, Dark & Bright Cave and Ba Trai Dao Beach.
Swimming at White Sandy Beaches
Did you know there are up to 139 beaches in Lan Ha Bay?
Ranging from large to small, these beaches offer you with an unparalleled scenic experience. Offering soft, sandy shores and invigoratingly cool waters, they are ideal for swimming enthusiasts.
Of course, you can choose from any of the hundreds of beaches in the area. But there are three standout beaches that have gained popularity among swimmers and beach-goers: Ban Chan Beach, Ba Trai Dao Beach or Ao Ech area. These come highly recommended for those seeking a memorable aquatic adventure.
There’re more to the list, but it’ll take a bit longer than just 1 or 2 days to visit. See the full list of notable beaches in Lan Ha Bay here.
Explore Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is the biggest island in Lan Ha Bay (as well as Halong Bay). It’s renowned for being home to Cat Ba National Park, an impressive UNESCO biosphere reserve. The island’s lush forests are a treasure trove of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. There are also many scenic hikes, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a view of the Cat Ba langurs in their natural habitat. These primates — endemic to Cat Ba Island — are among the rarest primates in the world and possibly the rarest in the entirety of Asia.
How rare?
It’s said that there are only 70 individuals known to still exist, all of which are on the island!
Not just the nature, Cat Ba Island is also the best options if you’re looking for inland activities. Scenic hikes, like 18km trail to Viet Hai Village or shorter to Cannon Fort, offering good view of Lan Ha Bay limestone peaks. For adventure, try rock climbing to get your adrenaline high up.
Cat Ba is also home to a large town, offer various tourism facilities, including hotels, restaurants, resorts or more entertainments.
Visit a Floating Fishing Village
Visiting a floating fishing village is the best way to discover the heart of Lan Ha Bay culture.
The most famouis is Cai Beo Floating Village, one of Vietnam’s oldest, dating back 7,000 years. Located just 1.5 km from Cat Ba town, it’s home to over 500 families who fish and farm seafood among Lan Ha’s limestone islands. You’ll see colorful floating houses and boats, with kids rowing to school, offering a look into a unique way of life.
Another gem is Van Boi Floating Village, a smaller community near Van Boi Island, where locals raise fish in underwater cages. It’s a peaceful spot to see fishermen at work, surrounded by clear waters and islets.
Caving
Lan Ha Bay is mostly known for its karst limestones, but that’s only part of the allure of the area. The other part is underground!
The caves in Lan Ha Bay are truly out of this world, boasting astonishing rock formations that will leave you in awe. There are massive stalagmites and stalactites to be seen and photographed.
Among Lan Ha Bay’s standout attractions are the Dark and Bright Caves, where you can marvel at nature’s stunning artistry. These twin caves are famous for their unique stalagmites and are perfect for kayaking. Sailing to the end of the caves, you’ll rewarded by a calm, hidden green water valley, surrounding by romantic rock towering, offering a stunning scenery
Another cave worth mentioning is Trung Trang Cave. The formations are just as impressive, and along with its underground passages large enough to fit hundreds of people all at once, the cave offers a memorable adventure for caving enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Lan Ha Bay
The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay for great weather is from February to April (Spring) and October through December (Fall). During these times, the dry and pleasant climate creates ideal conditions for enjoying activities and sightseeing.
Travelers on a budget may find May to September suitable, as it’s the low season. Many cruise offer significant discounts on cabin prices. The savings may be up to 50% compared to other times of the year.
The area can experience hurricanes and storms in July and August. Check the local weather before visiting during this time. If the weather’s bad, reschedule your plans and visit other destinations in northern Vietnam before visiting Lan Ha Bay. These storms typically last for 3-4 days. Once the weather clears up, you can return here.
Cruises won’t operate during stormy or hurricane seasons, and you’ll miss out on the beauty of the Bay if you visit while it’s raining!
Getting to Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is about 130 km from Hanoi, and you can reach it in 2.5-4 hours by using several easy options.
Bus and Ferry: A popular and budget-friendly choice is taking a tourist bus from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Hai Phong Got Pier, a 2-hour ride. From there, a 20-minute ferry or speedboat takes you to Cat Ba Island, where Lan Ha Bay tours start.
Cruise Package: For a hassle-free trip, book a Lan Ha Bay cruise that includes transport from Hanoi. A shuttle bus picks you up from your hotel in the Old Quarter, drives to Tuan Chau Harbor in Halong City (2.5-3 hours), and then you cruise through Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay.
Private Car or Taxi: For more flexibility, hire a private car or taxi to Got Pier in Hai Phong, taking about 2.5 hours.
